TRAIN RIDE

Post by **zacatac** » March 9, 2008, 12:31 pm

Hi we are thinking about taking the train from Nong Khai to Bangkok next month but are flying back to Aus. from Phuket. I know you can't train it to
Phuket but does anyone know how close you can get?? Lee used to have a site on the map called getting there and had all the train times but it looks like it's taken off..thanks for any help.. plus are the sleeers pretty comfy?? I don't know I have never yet been on a train anywhere..thanx...zac

Post by **Stevo** » March 9, 2008, 12:41 pm

I recommend 2nd class sleeper... about 700 Baht/person, bottom bunk is bigger than top if you are large size...
I prefer the VIP buses, at 440 Baht/person... they are quicker and cheaper but not so comfy for sleeping.

Post by **rickfarang** » March 9, 2008, 1:10 pm

A few years ago, my wife and I took the train down to Surat Thani, then took bus to Krabi, where we caught a boat from there to Phi Phi Island. An alternative would have been to take a boat do Phuket. There was (and probably still is) a combined rail-bus-boat pass that is a little cheaper than buying individual tickets. I think you would have to get that from a travel agent.

But...are you sure you want to go to Phuket? Unfriendly, expensive, and up-tight was the impression I came away with when we were there in January.

Post by **lee** » March 9, 2008, 1:20 pm

Lee used to have a site on the map called getting there and had all the train times but it looks like it's taken off..[/quote]

It's still there Zac click here

Or click here http://www.railway.co.th/English/Time_HTML.asp

Post by **lee** » March 9, 2008, 1:25 pm

This site is pretty useful for train travel in Thailand http://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm

laphanphon · Post by **laphanphon** » March 9, 2008, 1:44 pm

i think the closest you can get is chumphon. then bus it to phuket. i would take a daytime bus, as the road is windy and cuts thru some steep inclines/hills. very nice ride though.

Post by **bamboopaul** » March 9, 2008, 2:04 pm

Hi Zac

I live in Phuket, The nearest railway station is Surat Thani, you will then have to get a bus to phuket, thats a fair old hike, I have done it in my car and the journey takes 4.5 hours !! will be longer in a Bus.

My advice fly Nok Air from Udon to Don Muaeng, change aircraft and fly same to Phuket cost about 4,000 baht single and a lot less hassle !!

If you need more help private message me

Post by **zacatac** » March 9, 2008, 4:06 pm

yea thanks for feedback all..but it's not about price just somrething different, got my daughter and her mate coming over for Songkrann and thought it might be good to see some country...also if Lee reads this a few weeks ago you had some photo;s of a Templle ...with the statue's is this a long way out of Udon. thanx Zac

laphanphon · Post by **laphanphon** » March 9, 2008, 4:15 pm

Oops

, sit corrected. Surat thani is closest to Phuket, but since coming from up north, the Chumphon/Ranong/khao lak/phangnga route is actually less kms, but probably as long or longer time wise, due to terrain and road. But a very nice drive. Though sometimes, most times just 2 lanes and hilly w/blind curves, so very slow at times, especially between Chumphon and Ranong, then it opens a bit, barring that slow moving bus/truck. Surat thani/Phuket is definitely a better faster road. I make the trip at least once a year and prefer the west coast side.

If out for an adventure and have plenty of time, lots of placed to break up the ride, as the train/bus thing gets very old, very fast, IMO. After BKK, you have cha am/Hua Hin, depending on your preference, then down a bit further to ban saphans, couple of them, then one of my favorite areas, thung wua laem/Chumphon, TWL beach is just north of Chumphon. Then it

Post by **nicko** » March 9, 2008, 5:40 pm

Trains are slow but one of the safest forms of travel. Also very good for seeing the countryside if you can get a day trip since most of the long distance trips seem to be overnights.

VIP buses are fast and comfortable. Also good for seeing the countryside. If you have traveled in Thailand by road much I am sure you must have seen at least one bus wreck alongside the highway? But there are an awful lot of buses traveling across the country every day. So probably pretty safe.

Post by **zacatac** » March 9, 2008, 10:18 pm

yea thanks for the tips after reading what you all know I'm kinda leaing towards Nok Air...just thought it might be something different,,although the Hua Hin thing sorta caught my eye...have heard this place aint to bad..anybody been there???
cheers Zac

Post by **beer monkey** » March 9, 2008, 10:24 pm

Hua Hin and cha-am are nice and not in 'your face' places like phuket/pattaya, well worth a visit zac.

http://www.hua-hin.com/

laphanphon · Post by **laphanphon** » March 10, 2008, 2:05 am

my post above, hua hin, chumphon, khal lak, all very nice place for few days or longer if possible, especially thong wua laem/chumplon and khao lak, both great. khao lak bit more baht, but well worth it.

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